Lester Harvey Thomas

Lester Harvey Thomas, 97, of Providence, NC peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on March 26, 2011. Formally of Raleigh, NC, Lester and his wife moved to Providence, NC, in 2003 to be close to his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

He was born in Cocoa, FL, to the late Thomas Richard Thomas and Edna Josephine Warren, on February 7, 1914. Lester retired from the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1955. His Army career spanned twenty years beginning in the Calvary in 1935 through to retirement in 1955. During his distinguished career he was in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when it was attacked and was an eye witness to the attack. He served under Major Patton and was part of the offensives in Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. He met his bride, Ruth Beard, while both were stationed in occupied Japan. She was working with the US Army Special Services in Osaka, Japan. Ruth and Lester were married in 1949 in the Bailey Methodist Church.

After retiring from the Army, Lester worked many years in the private sector. He worked in the Physical Plants in both Jacksonville, FL and at NC State Universities in Raleigh, NC. Lester and Ruth were long time members of St. Marks United Methodist Church and, after moving to Providence, attended Shady Grove United Methodist Church. He was a prior member of Raleigh Kiwanis, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a beloved volunteer to many service organizations. He was a member of VFW Post 7316 in Yanceyville, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Mrs. Ruth Beard Thomas, son Richard Earl Thomas, son Michael Lester Thomas, daughter Barbara Thomas Seamster and husband Michael Henry Seamster, grandson Daniel Garrett Seamster, and sister Bessie Rowland of Rogers Arkansas.

His family will receive friends Monday evening, March 28, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, in Providence, NC. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 29, at 2:00 pm at Bailey United Methodist Church, Bailey, NC. Interment will follow the service at Bailey Town Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW Post 7316, P. O. Box 185, Yanceyville, NC 27379